Modern pentathlon format changes

LONDON (BBC) — The format of the modern pentathlon is to change after the sport’s governing body voted to combine the disciplines of shooting and running into one event.

Modern pentathlon has traditionally involved five events, the others being swimming, show jumping and fencing.
However, from January 2009, pentathlon competitions will finish with a combined shooting and running event, similar to that found in biathlon.
“We’ll make the best of this decision,” said Pentathlon GB’s Anthony Temple.
The change, approved by the International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) at its congress in Guatemala, will undoubtedly provoke consternation among some of the sport’s athletes and coaches.
While the number of days over which the Olympic competition is contested has been changed over the years, the five events at the heart of modern pentathlon have remained intact since its inception in 1912.
The London 2012 Games will see the first revamped Olympic event.
Britain will also be the venue for the first world championships to showcase the new format, at Crystal Palace in August next year.
Team GB’s Heather Fell, from Devon, won the silver medal in the Beijing 2008 women’s event.